Great article and slides. The field of robotics has definitely progress into the realm of science fiction or maybe its the other way. LOL. Looking at these magnificient machines its hard to believe they can achieve flight. The question of FAA flight rules is very intriguing because of the airspace restrictions imposed by this air traffic governing agency. Just wondering what would the restrictions be imposed upon flying robots? Again, enjoy reading your robot articles!

Ann, on my vaction trip this year I had another idea as to a very good use for a video-sending hovering-type airborn robot. Many of our national parks put limitations on where you can walk to see all of the wonderful things that are there. Some of the best viewing spots are unsafe, some would be quickly damaged by pedestrian traffic. An airborn camera could allow one to see these places form some very interesting vantage points without doing any damage or being in any danger. Rental odf those devices for use in the parks could be a source of additional revenue. So there is another idea for another use of the "flying spying machines."

Thanks for the slideshow Ann, these robots all seem pretty amazing, with quite different flight styles in almost all of them. As we discussed before, in the robobee article that in this robotics field the dynamics of the the flying body against different airy environments is pretty complex to control, specially in a flapping wing robot, it feels quite good to see such projects working and developing more.

Thanks for all the info, Thinking_J. The FAA rules angle is an interesting one. Usually, when it comes to definitions we're talking robotics theory, not FAA flight rules. And--you are a Zappa fan! Yay! I came of age on Freak Out.

As far as the FAA is concerned.. there are no differences (remote or autonomous).

Unmanned is the only category involved .. don't care if autonomous or remotely controlled per their latest rulings. Smallest RC aircraft to military drones are covered.

The only other condition they currently address: for profit or hobby.

http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/uas_faq/

Currently ANY commercial use of unmanned flying craft is illegal.. don't care about size, method of control, flight altitudes, etc.. .

Want to monitor your crops? illegal (except as a hobby)

Want an aerial photo of your home for purpose of selling the house? illegal.

At present, only hobbyist and researchers have some legal basis for use of unmanned flying craft. Not the police , not the military, not Hollywood film crews, etc.. are allowed unless by special permission via the FAA.

They (the FAA) have their hands full at the moment trying to develop some legal framework for reasonable uses and liabilities.

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